TOUR SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS MARAS MORAY

Tour Sacred Valley + Maras and Moray

An unforgettable experience from 06:00 h

The tour starts early, at 06:00 a.m., with pick up from your hotel in Cusco. Throughout the day, we will explore some of the most impressive destinations in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, combining history, architecture, living culture and unique landscapes.

1. Chinchero

Inca agricultural and ceremonial center, with terraces, temples and a colonial church on Inca foundations.

2. Moray

Circular terraces used as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with microclimates.

3. Salt mines of Maras

More than 4,000 pre-Inca salt ponds, still active, in a unique landscape.

4. Urubamba - Buffet Lunch

Stop to enjoy a buffet lunch with typical flavors of the Sacred Valley.

5. Ollantaytambo

Inca fortress with temples, monumental terraces and a town that still preserves its original layout.

6. Pisac

Archaeological site with terraces, Inca neighborhoods, canals and the largest pre-Hispanic cemetery in Peru.

Return to Cusco

We return in the afternoon after a day full of culture, history and unforgettable landscapes.

Includes

• Previous briefing to solve doubts before the tour.
• Comfortable and safe tourist transportation.
• Official bilingual guide (Spanish / English).
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba
• Tourist ticket: Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero ( Complete plan)
• Tourist ticket: Salt mines (Complete Plan)

Does not include

1. Snacks
2. Travel insurance
3. Tickets: Tickets are only included in the complete plan.

NOTE: Ticket can be purchased at the same center on the same day.

Complete Itinerary - Sacred Valley + Maras and Moray Tour

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, located at 2,800 m.a.s.l. and surrounded by imposing Andean mountains, was an important political, religious and agricultural center of the Inca Empire. Along the valley, crossed by the Vilcanota River, are historic towns such as Pisac, Calca, Yucay, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.

During the reign of Pachacutec (1438-1471), the valley was incorporated into the Tahuantinsuyo. Later, Manco Inca resisted the Spanish invasion here from Ollantaytambo before taking refuge in the jungle of Vilcabamba. After the conquest, many Inca temples were destroyed to build colonial churches.

This tour allows you to see not only archaeological sites, but also living villages that preserve their customs. We will visit:

• Chinchero, with its shrines, colonial temples and Inca terraces.
• Moray, an ancient agricultural laboratory with unique circular terraces.
• Salt mines of Maras, an amazing complex of thousands of traditional salt ponds.
• Ollantaytambo, a living Inca city, with architecture aligned to the sun and astronomical functions.
• Pisac, entrance to the valley, famous for its terraces, temples and its great Inca cemetery.

These impressive sites are included in the Partial Tourist Ticket, and make this tour an experience that connects history, living culture and natural beauty in a single day.

Start: 06:00 a.m. | End: Approx. 19:00 p.m.

Includes pick up from your hotel in Cusco

Our team will provide you with all the logistical details before the tour. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at a central location near the Plaza de Armas, ideal to continue exploring the city on your own or enjoy a local meal.

Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the ancient Inca Empire. This comprehensive tour combines ancient history, architectural wonders and unique Andean landscapes. Throughout the day, we will visit archaeological sites, traditional villages and natural scenery that connect the past with the current life of the Sacred Valley.

Detailed Itinerary:

1. Pick up from your hotel - Cusco (06:00 h)

We start the tour early in the morning, departing from the city of Cusco heading north of the valley. Along the way, you will enjoy Andean landscapes, snow-capped mountains and typical villages of the region.

2. Chinchero (3,700 m.a.s.l.) - Cradle of Andean textiles and Inca legacy

Considered the “town of the rainbow”, Chinchero was the royal palace of the Inca Tupac Yupanqui.

Here we will visit:

• Inca agricultural terraces still in use.
• Remains of ceremonial temples.
• Colonial church built on Inca foundations.

In addition, you will visit a textile center where local women preserve the art of traditional weaving, using alpaca wool and natural dyes extracted from plants and insects such as cochineal.

3. Moray (3,500 m a.s.l.) - Ancestral agricultural engineering

This unique archaeological site consists of concentric terraces built in natural depressions.

It is believed that the Incas used Moray as an agricultural laboratory to adapt crops to different climates.

Here you will learn about:

• The function of the microclimates created at each level.
• How they were used to experiment with products such as potatoes, corn and quinoa.
• The impact of this technology on the agricultural development of the empire.

4. Maras Salt Pans (3,000 m.a.s.l.) - Pre-Inca salt ponds

One of the most impressive landscapes of the tour. The more than 4,000 active salt ponds are fed by a subway salty spring.

In Maras you will learn about:

• The traditional use of these salt ponds since pre-Inca times.
• The process of salt extraction by evaporation.
• The pink salt of Maras, famous for its purity and flavor.

In addition, it is an excellent place to take panoramic photos.

5. Lunch in Urubamba - Heart of the Sacred Valley

We stop at a tourist restaurant in Urubamba to enjoy a buffet lunch with typical Peruvian dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients from the valley.

     6. Ollantaytambo (2,792 m.a.s.l.) - Living Fortress of the Inca Empire

This is one of the most important archaeological complexes in Peru.

Here we will explore:

• Gigantic stepped agricultural terraces.
• The Temple of the Sun, built with granite blocks of several tons.
• The Ñusta Baths and sacred water channels.
• The impressive astronomical alignment of the site with the sun's rays.

In addition, you will visit a living Inca village with cobblestone streets and original buildings that are still inhabited.

7. Pisac (2,972 m.a.s.l.) - Sacred entrance to the Valley

We end our tour in Pisac, one of the most extensive archaeological sites in the valley.

You will visit:

• The Intihuatana sector, with its sundial carved in rock.
• Ceremonial fountains and terraces that are integrated into the hillside.
• The largest pre-Hispanic cemetery in South America, carved into the mountain.

In addition, Pisac is famous for its handicraft market (open every day, especially active on Sundays), where the highlanders still practice bartering.

      8. Return to Cusco (approx. 19:00 h)

After a day full of history, culture and unforgettable landscapes, we return to Cusco. End of the tour with arrival at your hotel or agreed upon central point.

Recommendations

Recommendations for the tour Sacred Valley of the Incas Maras Moray

• Carry your identity card, passport or student card.
• Comfortable shoes
• Bring rain ponchos (October - March).
• Bring extra money
• Warm clothes
• Sunglasses and hat

TOUR SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS MARAS MORAY IS AVAILABLE EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

FLEXIBLE PLAN (without entrance fees)
Shared group price: US$ 35.00 per person.

COMPLETE PLAN (with entrance fees)
Shared group price: US$ 60.00 per person.

PRIVATE TOUR 

The service does not include entrance fees: Partial ticket 70 soles (20 USD) and Salt mines 20 soles (6 USD)

Urubamba is ideal to enjoy a good meal: here you can choose the restaurant you like best, with a wide variety of options starting at US$ 10.

Taking a private tour allows you to:

• Choose your tour start time
• Enjoy comfort in our new vehicles
• Professional bilingual English/Spanish tour guide
• Pickup from your hotel
• Extra stops at viewpoints that make this tour special.

Inquire about other languages ​​by emailing us at info@ukumariperutravel.com

Tickets can also be purchased in person at all points of visit; ticket prices are listed below.

• Partial BTC (70 soles)
• Ticket Salt mines of Maras(20 soles)

Payment Conditions

Advance Reservation:
Secure your spot by making a prepayment of 20% of the total tour cost.

Balance Payment in Cusco:
The remaining 80% is paid upon arrival in Cusco. We accept the following payment methods:
• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
• MoneyGram
• Western Union
• Cash (recommended)

Important:
Payments made by card are subject to a 5% fee charged by the payment platform, which must be covered by the client.
Therefore, we recommend making the final payment in cash to avoid additional fees.

Frequently asked questions and answers about the Sacred Valley + Maras and Moray Tour

1. Can I carry a small backpack during the whole tour?

Yes, you can carry a light backpack with water, sunscreen, hat and camera. It is not necessary to carry heavy luggage.

2. In what order are the sites visited during the tour?

The usual order is: Chinchero, Moray, Salineras de Maras, lunch in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and ends in Pisac. However, it may vary depending on the logistics of the day.

3. Does the tour has guaranteed departures every day?

Yes, this tour is available every day of the year, including holidays.

4. How much time is spent at each archaeological site?

Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour at each site, depending on the group and the pace of the guide.

5. Is the tour done in large groups?

The group service can accommodate from 12 to 18 people. If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can opt for the private tour.

6. Is it possible to take the tour with small children or elderly people?

Yes, but caution is recommended in areas with stairs like Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The terrain can be uneven.

7. How high is the highest point of the tour?

The highest point is Chinchero, at 3,700 meters above sea level. The rest of the places are between 2,800 and 3,500 m a.s.l.

8. Are there stores to buy water, snacks or souvenirs?

Yes, in almost all destinations there are local stalls where you can buy water, handicrafts and typical products.

9. Can I stay in Ollantaytambo at the end of the tour?

Yes, if you are taking the train to Machu Picchu, you can coordinate in advance to stay in Ollantaytambo.

10. Can trekking poles be used during the tours?

Yes, as long as they have rubber tips so as not to damage the archaeological remains.

11. Does the guide accompany us to all the sites or does he/she only give general explanations?

The guide accompanies the group to all the archaeological sites and provides detailed information at each one.

12. Is it possible to visit the Pisac handicraft market during the tour?

Generally it is not included due to lack of time, but if the group is going at a good pace, a brief stop can be made.

13. How steep are the hikes in Pisac and Ollantaytambo?

Moderate. There are stone stairs and some steep sections, but accessible if you go slowly.

14. Is the use of drones allowed?

No, the use of drones is restricted in most archaeological sites without special permission from the Ministry of Culture.

15. What currency do vendors accept in tourist areas?

Mainly Peruvian soles. Some accept dollars or cards, but it is recommended to carry cash in local currency.

16. Are the salt mines in Maras active all year round?

Yes, but they look fuller and whiter during the dry season (April to October), when more water evaporates.

17. Is an additional ticket required in addition to the Partial Tourist Ticket?

Yes, for the Salineras de Maras an additional ticket is purchased (not included in the Tourist Ticket), which costs around 20 soles.

18. Is the tour on time even if I am staying outside the center of Cusco?

Yes, but if you are far away, a central meeting point can be arranged or the pick up may have a small additional cost.

19. What type of transportation is used during the tour?

We use modern tourist vans or minibuses, with air conditioning, seat belts and professional drivers.

20. Can I book the tour at short advance notice?

Yes, although it is recommended to book at least 24 hours in advance, especially in high season.